NEW YORK: Kylian Mbappe heads into France’s World Cup opener against Senegal on Tuesday with questions swirling around him after a season that has left the country’s biggest football star under immense pressure.

The France captain drew a blank in warm-up games against Ivory Coast and Northern Ireland and ended the season at Real Madrid without a trophy, despite finishing as La Liga’s top scorer.

His performances, leadership and behaviour away from the pitch have become regular talking points after Real Madrid fell short in both the Champions League and the domestic title race.

Mbappe has also come under fire over his leadership since succeeding Hugo Lloris as captain in 2023, with 1998 World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf among those to question whether he is the right man to lead Les Bleus.

Yet inside the France camp, support for Mbappe appears unwavering.

Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, who has emerged as one of the team’s most influential figures, said the criticism directed at his long-time team-mate and close friend had gone too far.

“The criticism towards him is very, very unfair,” Dembele told Spanish newspaper Marca this week.

“Some people overdo the criticism because he’s Kylian Mbappe. They shouldn’t keep going after him. Whether he ties his shoelaces or not, whether he pulls up his socks or not, it’s too much. He’s still a human being. With the France team, he’s very good with us, he’s a leader.”

Defender Lucas Hern­andez struck a similar tone, saying Mbappe rema­ined fully focused despite the noise around him.

“When you’re Kylian Mbappe, everyone looks at everything you do, on the pitch and off the pitch,” Hernandez said.

“He’s 100% motivated for the World Cup. All the criticism there has been this season, he’s going to silence it.”

France are among the favourites to lift the trophy and Didier Deschamps is embarking on his final tournament in charge, giving Mbappe an immediate opportunity to turn the conversation back to what he does best.

If there is one stage on which Mbappe rarely disappoints, it is the World Cup, where France will also face Iraq and Norway in Group ‘I’.

He has struck 12 times in 14 World Cup matches, leaving him only four goals short of Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 and offering a reminder of how quickly he can silence his critics.

Another goal would put him top of the list of Fra­nce’s all-time scorers alongside the retired Olivier Giroud (57).

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

The giant, rampaging centre forward netted 16 times in Norway’s eight World Cup qualifying gam­es and got an un­matched 27 goals for Man­chester City last season.

Backed by an exciting roster of team-mates inclu­ding playmaker Martin Ode­gaard and wingers Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb, Haaland wants to bolster his chances of picking up FIFA’s Golden Boot award against an Iraq side playing at the World Cup for the first time in 40 years.

The Lions of Mesopotamia in Boston representing Norway’s first match at a World Cup since 1998, when they lost to Italy in the round of 16.

That defeat was followed by a fall from grace for a team that had peaked as the world’s second best in FIFA’s rankings earlier in the 1990s.

Now, having scored the most goals of any European team during the World Cup qualifiers — Haal­and’s partner in attack Alexander Sorloth bagged five and Thelo Aasgaard got four — Nor­way could challenge France for top spot in Group ‘I’.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken said both Martin Odegaard and Haaland were fit for the opener, with Haaland in particular looking sharp.

“He had his best training session yesterday, 11 against 11, and he had the goal of the year. It would have been the goal of the year in the World Cup if it had been broadcast, a volley from 20 meters — if it had hit (goalkeeper Egil) Selvik, he would have been killed, but luckily it went into the corner,” the coach laughed.

Standing in Norway’s path on Tuesday are an Iraq side whose route to Boston was via an exhausting 21-match qualifying campaign that — despite travel disruption caused by the US and Israeli war with neighbouring Iran — ended with victory over Bolivia in the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico.

Iraq coach Graham Arnold led his native Australia to the round of 16 at the last World Cup in Qatar where they were defeated by eventual champions Argentina.

Striker Aymen Hussein, who scored the goal that qualified Iraq for the finals, will be seeking to steal some of Haaland’s limelight.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

Curacao, the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for the tournament, made a bright start against four-time winners Germany in Houston when Livano Comenencia scored an early equaliser to give the Caribbean nation of 160,000 people a historic first World Cup goal.

But they were soon outclassed as Felix Nmecha opened the scoring for the Germans and Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz with a double, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav scored to put to bed any possibility of one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.

Despite their proud record in the competition, Germany have struggled in recent editions and this was the first time they had won their first opening match at a World Cup since they lifted the trophy in 2014.

“It took us a few minutes to get back into the game after they equalised. Curacao can play football too, as we saw, and I’m curious to see how they’ll fare in the group going forward,” said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

“I’m very satisfied with us scoring seven goals and our performance for the most part. A winning start is always important and we’re glad we managed it,” he added.

Curacao will hope they can get more out of their remaining Group ‘E’ games against Ecuador and Ivory Coast.

“It is not embarrassing to lose like that against such a team,” said their 78-year-old Dutch coach Dick Advocaat. “We need to turn this into a beautiful tournament. We can have a surprise in the second and third match. In the end we will be glad we were part of the biggest football tournament in the world.”

The heavy defeat also has not dampened the spirit or the delight of the Curacao fans.

“(I am) very proud because we are the smallest island, smallest country and we scored against Germany! We are very happy and very, very proud!” fan Otmar Cornelia told Reuters.

SECOND-HALF GOAL FRENZY

Matches are often described as a game of two halves but seldom has the old cliche been more apt than on Sunday when all the goals in the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw against Japan came in a pulsating second period after a cagey first 45 minutes.

Skipper Virgil van Dijk had put the Dutch ahead with a fine header at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, only for Keito Nakamura to quickly level, before winger Crysencio Summerville’s sumptuous curled finish into the bottom corner just after the hour.

Japan earned a point with an 89th-minute deflected equaliser attributed to Daichi Kamada.

At the final whistle, even the typically dour Dutch coach Ron­ald Koeman was all smiles as he shook hands with his Japanese counterpart Hajime Moriyasu.

The prospect of a scintillating second period had looked as unlikely as a supporter finding a low-priced stadium ticket at this years World Cup.

Koeman opted for a more defensive setup after the Dutch took the lead but the approach backfired as Japan poured forward and eventually equalised.

Koeman, however, said he had no regrets about his tactics and that shoddy defending was to blame.

“There was also a problem with pressure on the flanks. So if you look at the game, both goals, well, we didn’t defend well,” he told reporters. “Football is a funny game because, after Japan scored the second goal, they started defending as well.

“So we could have scored a third goal. So I don’t regret my choices.”

On the sidelines, Japan fans won hearts of everyone around the world as they displayed their culture when they left the stands spotless after the match.

Spectators stayed behind after draw to make sure they left the stadium as they found it, meticulously picking up litter and stuffing it into blue plastic bags.

It is a habit first learned at primary school and Japan fan Eita Tanaka told AFP that “we have to think about everyone”.

DIALLO SHINES

In Philadelphia, a last-gasp 90th-minute goal from Manch­ester United’s Amad Diallo gave Ivory Coast a precious 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Group ‘E’.

Manager Emerse Fae said the win showed his young side’s World Cup ambitions are genuine.

The Ivorians have impressed since booking their place at the finals following comfortable warm-up wins over South Korea and Scotland in March and a 2-1 victory away to France last week.

Fae’s youthful attack, including highly rated 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande, was tested by an experienced Ecuadorean defence featuring Paris St-Germain’s Willian Pacho and Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie, shielded by Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo.

“We came to the US for this, and we came here with ambitions, with high hopes,” Fae told reporters.

“We don’t want to just have visited the US and have to go back, so everything is going well for now.

“We’ve beaten France. We are starting this competition well against Ecuador, a very tough team, but we managed to come into our own and won the match. This shows that our team has acquitted itself well.”

Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece, meanwhile, cut a frustrated figure saying his side had done enough to win their opener.

“It hurts because it was an unfair defeat,” Beccacece told reporters. “I think there are very strong arguments to clearly show that the team competed very well, had the clearest chances and could have won the match, but because of one detail at the end, we leave with nothing.”

TUNISIA COACH’S JOB UNDER THREAT

In the late game on Sunday, Sweden opened their campaign in Group ‘F’ with a swashbuckling 5-1 rout of Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico.

Sweden, who only squeezed into the World Cup via the playoffs thanks to their performances in the Nations League, ran the north Africans ragged and romped to an impressive victory thanks to two goals from Yasin Ayari and one apiece from Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Mattias Svanberg.

Following the humiliating defeat, Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi’s job is in the balance as federation chiefs are holding talks, a source told AFP on Monday.

Lamouchi has only been in charge since January and could be replaced by Mondher Kebaier, who coached the national side from 2019 to 2022.

Kebaier is with the Tunisian World Cup delegation which is based in Monterrey, Mexico.

“Discussions are underway between members of the federation,” the source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

He added that a decision “in one sense or the other” should be taken “in the next few hours”.

Several Tunisian media outlets claimed Lamouchi would be sacked.

On the other hand, Sweden coach Graham Potter praised the chemistry between forwards Isak and Gyokeres after they tore Tunisia’s defence to shreds.

“Individually, of course, they are top players but I think together they can be a real threat,” Potter told a press conference. “I think they’ll get better and better the more they play; they complement each other very well.

“I’m really pleased with the players,” he added. “We know the quality of the individuals in the front positions but they nee­ded a team to function.”

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

MIAMI: Portugal’s World Cup squad will wear commemorative wristbands in tribute to late former team-mate Diogo Jota, midfielder Vitinha said on Saturday, as they prepare to open their Group ‘K’ campaign against DR Congo next week.

The wristbands, a gift from Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, carry the names of all squad members alongside that of former Portugal forward Jota, who died with his brother in a car crash in northwestern Spain last year.

Jota earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals for his country, and his absence has been felt deeply by his Portugal team-mates.

“Basically, the story of the wristband is, when we went to meet with the Prime Minister, he offered us this wristband,” Vitinha told reporters.

“They made sure that it was a wristband that we could wear on the pitch. It has all the specifics for us to be able to enter the pitch with it, with the name of all the players plus the special name of Diogo Jota.

“He let us choose if we wanted to use it or not, how (we use it), during the day or during the match. We received it with a lot of affection and we chose to use it.”

Portugal will open their campaign on Wednesday.

Vitinha is no longer a stranger to the big stage, having won back-to-back Champions League titles with Paris St-Germain, but he struck a cautious tone about Portugal’s World Cup prospects, four years after their quarter-final exit in Qatar.

“I wouldn’t say we’re the favourites, we have great quality and capacity to advance far in the tournament,” he said.

“We know the right path is to be humble and play the right game. We have the talent, all we need is the technical and tactical aspects (to come together).”

The tournament’s three-country format across the United States, Mexico and Canada presents logistical challenges, but Vitinha remained philosophical about the varying conditions.

“The weather will affect how we play, but that is for everybody, not just for us,” he said.

“With varying temperatures in the US, Mexico and Canada, it is very difficult. But it is the World Cup and there are no excuses, no conditions that can keep us from giving everything for the national team.”

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

ATLANTA: Spain’s ghosts of recent World Cup horror shows reappeared in Atlanta as the European champions were held 0-0 by debutants Cape Verde in their opening game on Monday.

Lamine Yamal was left on the bench as the Barcelona superstar is eased back to fitness after nearly two months out with a hamstring injury and even his appearance as a second-half substitute failed to break down Cape Verde’s dogged defence.

Blessed with what coach Luis de la Fuente claimed is the best squad in the competition, Spain were considered among the pre-tournament favourites to go all the way and lift the World Cup on July 19.

But the importance of Yamal and Nico Williams to their chances of success was underlined by a flat performance.

Williams also had an injury-disrupted season at Athletic Bilbao and was not introduced until the 87th minute.

Ranked 67 in the world, Cape Verde were making their debut on the global stage and did a nation of just over 500,000 people proud.It took until six minutes before half-time for Spain to seriously threaten.

Marc Cucurella, fresh for sealing his move from Chelsea to Real Madrid, sent over a teasing cross that Ferran Torres turned onto the crossbar and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha got back on his feet to turn Mikel Oyarzabal’s looping header over the bar.

Torres tested Vozinho again moments later before Aymeric Laporte’s header from a corner was also clawed away by the Cape Verde number one just before half-time.

The break came at a good time for the Blue Sharks and they comfortably held out in the second period until Yamal’s entrance after the second hydration break.

Billed as one of the stars of the tournament, Yamal’s appearance instantly lifted the crowd and injected life into the pedestrian Spanish attack.

His first involvement set up a decent opening for fellow substitute Mikel Merino which was too close to Vozinha.

Yamal also began the move that saw Oyarzabal’s effort deflected over with Spain’s best chance of the second half.

Cape Verde nearly snatched a famous victory in the final minute of the 90 when Dani Borges planted a header too close to Unai Simon..

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

Despite winning the first Test at Lord’s, England selectors have been forced to make a host of changes just over a week later.

Captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were left out of the England squad after breaching the team’s midnight curfew while celebrate the Lord’s victory.

Pace bowler Ollie Robinson, who took seven wickets at Lord’s, has pulled out due to a knee injury, while Rew is ready to step in if wicket-keeper Jamie Smith’s partner gives birth in the next couple of days.

Fresh from scoring 204 for Essex in his first County Championship outing for 11 months, Cox has been drafted in for Stokes.

Baker bolsters the pace attack alongside Jofra Archer, who missed the first Test due to his Indian Premier League commitments with Rajasthan Royals.

Fast bowler Matthew Fisher was also included for his second Test appearance -- his first in more than four years -- as spinner Shoaib Bashir dropped out.

Joe Root will captain England, more than four years after being replaced in the role by Stokes.

Root got the nod to take over from Stokes on a temporary basis instead of vice-captain Harry Brook.

“It became pretty obvious that after talking to both Joe and Harry, that Joe was the right person to do it,” England head coach Brendon McCullum said.

“He’s actually excited, because while he gave it everything he could last time around, he feels he’s in a much better place now to be able to do that job.

“There’s been a few changes. Whilst there’s been a bit of chaos and it’s been difficult to navigate through the week, I look at that line-up we have this week and it’s super exciting.

“I’m quietly confident we’re going to see some exciting cricket.”

McCullum said he was “worried” about Stokes. There were suggestions that the all-rounder would resign or even retire in the immediate aftermath.

But the 35-year-old’s future remains shrouded in mystery ahead of the start of the second Test.

McCullum said he experienced a range of emotions from anger to concern when he learnt of Stokes’ antics at a Chelsea nightspot. But he insisted he has a duty of care for Stokes’ well-being that over-rides disciplinary matters or the viability of his reign as skipper.

“When I first found out about it I was slightly bewildered, if I’m being honest. Then you go through a range of emotions. You go from being bewildered, on to angry, on to kind of gutted,” he said. “But very quickly my overall emotion turned to worry and concern for Ben in particular.”

COLLECTIVE EFFORT

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra admitted it will take a collective effort from his fellow batters to replace Kane Williamson after his shock decision to retire from international cricket.

Williamson brought the curtain down on his illustrious New Zealand career following the first Test defeat, leaving New Zealand with a huge hole in their line-up ahead of the second Test.

Ravindra conceded it will be impossible for one player to produce the wealth of runs amassed by Williamson.

Instead Ravindra hopes New Zealand’s overall batting depth can help fill the void.

“I don’t necessarily see it as pressure. Whenever a great moves on there is always a hole in the team,” Ravindra told reporters on Monday.

“But the strength and quality in our depth in our team is what we pride ourselves on. We have Henry Nicholls and obviously Will Young is here as batting back-up.

“We all share responsibility within our batting unit. It’s not on one guy, it’s pretty hard to fill in that gap and unfortunately I don’t think many people can. So it will be a collective effort.”

Ravindra said New Zealand’s squad had no complaints about Williamson’s decision to step away in the middle of the three-Test series.

“It’s always tough when probably our greatest player calls time. We were all so supportive of his decision,” he said. “Kane is such an amazing player but more than that he’s such an amazing bloke and has contributed so much to New Zealand.”

England squad: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (captain), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (or James Rew), Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

“Real Madrid and Chelsea have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Marc Cucurella, who will join our club for the next six seasons, until June 30, 2032,” said Los Blancos in a statement.

The 27-year-old left-back joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2022 after coming through La Liga champions Barcelona’s academy and moving to Getafe.

Cucurella is at the World Cup with Spain, and becomes the only Real Madrid player in Luis de la Fuente’s squad. Real president Florentino Perez was re-elected earlier in June, following two seasons without winning a major trophy and appointed Jose Mourinho as coach this week.

Los Blancos are set to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate at the end of his contract at Anfield and have been linked with Bernardo Silva and Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries.

Cucurella had two years left on his deal at Stamford Bridge, where he won the Club World Cup and Conference League in 2025.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

Wahab has only been in charge of Pakistan since the start of the year and the former left-arm pacer has already made a big difference to how the side approaches their cricket in the shortest format.

There were glimpses of this new attacking style during Pakistan’s loss to India at the T20 World Cup in Birmingham on Sunday, with the side showing signs of maturity as they dominated parts of the match only to be let down by concentration lapses that allowed their arch-rivals to prevail.

But Wahab has remained steadfast in his approach and believes positive results will come if his side continues to adapt and play the type of cricket he wants across the remainder of the T20 World Cup.

“We just took over like in last four months,” he said after the 64-run loss. “We have took over this Pakistan cricket team and you cannot make a lot of changes into the way they have been playing and to change the way the pattern of the way they were playing before and now.

“So obviously it will take some time. The good thing is that what we want to do is that we want to compete to the international strategies where you need to score more runs in the powerplay. You need to score 170 at least to be in the game and you have to maintain that thing going on.”

Pakistan made a great start to the match against India as Sadia Iqbal (2-41) dismissed the dangerous Shafali Verma in the very first over of the clash, before experienced first-drop Jemimah Rodrigues was sent packing shortly after to give the side the ascendancy.

It was a similar story with the bat as openers Muneeba Ali (41) and Gull Feroza (12) put on 38 for the opening wicket, with India’s depth inside the playing XI eventually proving the difference between the two sides as Pakistan failed to maintain their strong stars with both bat and ball.

Pakistan will get the chance to atone for their first-up loss to India when they take on South Africa at Edgbaston on Wednesday and Wahab said nothing would change in his approach and the team will be chasing a victory against a talented Proteas’ outfit.

“There are some glimpse of positiveness, and we will take that,” said the former Pakistan pacer. “We know it is always going to be a game of nerves, and I think we are working hard on it.

“I think we are here to win. I think we just need to make less mistakes and we just have to believe in ourselves. We have to play more positive cricket, more fearless cricket. I think that’s what it is.”

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

Austrian football was in the doldrums for decades but Ralf Rangnick’s men have a swagger about them since a dashing run at Euro 2024 that ended in a last-16 classic against Turkiye.

In the distant past, the central European nation was a force in world football, making the 1954 World Cup semi-finals and earning a last-eight finish in Argentina 1978.

Most fans are not expecting a repeat of those heights in North America but there is conviction that they can make another Euro-style run.

Securing early points against Arabian football’s emerging power may be vital, though, given tougher matches ahead against Algeria and defending champions Argentina.

The job may be harder without attacking midfielder Christoph Baumgartner, who embodies Rangnick’s aggressive pressing game.

It could also mean a big step up for one of the duo of Paul Wanner and Carney Chukwuemeka, who recently switched allegiance to Austria, in Santa Clara, California.

Wanner, 20, fought off invitations from Germany, while 22-year-old Chukwuemeka plumped for Austria after playing for England at junior level.

Their allegiance switch was only confirmed in March but both attacking midfielders are rated highly and Rangnick has put them to work in recent friendlies.

Though nursing a serious thigh injury, Baumgartner will remain with the squad as a talisman on the sidelines.

Jordan, coached by Moroccan Jamal Sellami, have set no lofty goals in their debut on the world stage but have developed into a regional force in recent years, reaching the 2023 Asian Cup and 2025 Arab Cup finals.

Losing dynamic forward Yazan Al-Naimat to a knee injury in December was a blow following his eight goals in qualification, and Sellami has had further casualties since, with defender Mohammad Abu Ghosh a late call-up to the squad to replace Ibrahim Sabra.

The Al-Nashama were beaten 2-0 by Colombia following a 4-1 thumping by Switzerland in their last warmup matches — but Sellami remains upbeat.

“We are proud in the team’s presence at the World Cup finals,” he told reporters on Saturday. “Participating in this global event is a significant opportunity to present a positive image of Jordan on the international stage.”

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

The reigning champions are looking to defy the statistics after climbing last week to the top of FIFA’s rankings for the first time since July 2025, as no team holding that position at the start of the tournament has gone on to lift the trophy.

When they line up in Kansas City, all eyes will be on 38-year-old captain Lionel Messi, playing in a record sixth World Cup.

“I’m happy, savouring every moment and excited as ever,” he said last week.

Still, coach Lionel Scaloni has concerns after left back Nicolas Tagliafico suffered a muscle injury in their 2-0 win over Honduras on June 6, forcing centre-back Facundo Medina to fill in during last week’s 3-0 victory over Iceland.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, meanwhile, recovered from a finger fracture suffered during the warm-up for Aston Villa’s Europa League final win and is expected to be in the starting lineup.

If Tagliafico is fit, Argentina’s starting team would likely feature 11 players from the 2022 squad, with Scaloni relying on their experience as they seek to become the first side since Brazil in 1962 to win two consecutive men’s World Cups.

The background, however, includes a shock defeat by Saudi Arabia in their opening match four years ago — an upset Algeria will be eager to replicate.

With Argentina clear favourites to top Group ‘J’, a strong performance against them would be key for Algeria as they battle Austria and Jordan to reach the round of 32.

The African side boast a four-match unbeaten run that included a draw against twice world champions Uruguay and a 1-0 victory over the Net­herlands.

They recently extended coach Vladimir Petkovic’s contract until 2028. Forwards Anis Hadj Moussa and Amine Gouiri combined for four goals in their last two games, including a 4-0 thrashing of Bolivia in a friendly.

Offensive midfielder Ibrahim Maza, nicknamed “Mazadona” at his club Bayer Leverkusen, voiced confidence that his team will be able to “beat Messi”.

Argentina, who last lost in September 2025 to Ecuador and are on a seven-match winning streak, have other plans.

“Opponents will find it very hard to face Argentina, because this is a very strong, very united group,” Messi said.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday introduced a sweeping overhaul of its central contracts system, replacing the traditional grading structure with a format-based framework designed to reward specialisation and strengthen Test cricket, while also dismissing speculation surrounding possible coaching appointments for former captains Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the reforms at a press conference held at a local hotel, where he was accompanied by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, director high performance Aaqib Javed, chief medical officer Dr Javed Mughal and chief operating officer Sumair Ahmed Syed.

The new framework, which will take effect from the next contracting cycle beginning in July, abandons the long-standing ‘A’-to-’D’ category system and introduces five distinct “tracks” aligned with players’ primary formats.

Mohsin also used the occasion to reject reports that Younis was being considered for the role of Pakistan Test team head coach.

“Three or four days ago, television channels were reporting that Younis Khan would be appointed head coach of the Test team. I came to know about it through the media as there is no such proposal under consideration,” he said.

The PCB chief, however, confirmed that the board remained in contact with several former players, including Younis and Hafeez, and valued their input on cricketing matters.

“We are in touch with many former players and welcome their suggestions for the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” he said. “I am willing to meet anyone who can contribute positively to Pakistan cricket.”

Mohsin added that reports linking former players to coaching positions often emerged despite no discussions taking place.

“When Sarfaraz Ahmed is already serving as head coach, such reports appear in the media and there is little I can do about it,” he remarked.

Earlier in the day, Mohsin met all 49 players attending Pakistan’s ongoing red-ball and white-ball camps in Lahore and briefed them on the new contracts model.

Under the revised structure, players will be grouped according to format specialisation rather than broad pay categories.

Track ‘AB’ will comprise cricketers who represent Pakistan in both Tests and One-day Internationals (ODIs), effectively serving as the board’s highest commitment tier. Track ‘A’ has been designated for specialist Test players, while Track ‘BC’ will cater to cricketers active across the two white-ball formats.

Track ‘C’ has been reserved for T20 specialists and offers the greatest flexibility for participation in franchise leagues around the world. Track ‘D’, meanwhile, will function as a development category aimed at emerging players progressing through the National Cricket Academy and the wider high-performance system.

According to the PCB, the framework is intended to reflect the increasingly specialised nature of modern cricket while addressing the challenge of preserving the status of Test cricket in an era dominated by lucrative T20 competitions.

One of the most notable features of the policy is a provision allowing specialist Test cricketers to participate in overseas first-class competitions. The PCB said the move was designed to improve the quality of Pakistan’s red-ball cricket by exposing players to demanding first-class environments abroad.

At the same time, franchise T20 leagues will remain off-limits to players categorised as dedicated Test specialists.

The board said players would be assessed only against others within their own tracks rather than against cricketers operating in different formats. Each senior track will also contain two internal tiers, allowing players to move up or down on the basis of performance without changing their format designation.

Mohsin said the new model had been developed to eliminate many of the controversies that traditionally accompanied central contract announcements.

“The contracts players used to get always resulted in debates about why players were placed in a particular category,” he observed.

He revealed that data analytics would form the backbone of the evaluation process.

“The framework is based 85 per cent on data and 15 per cent on selectors’ assessment,” he said, adding that the aim was to ensure fairness and transparency.

The PCB chairman identified fitness, domestic cricket participation and performance as the three key pillars of selection.

Aaqib admitted that both the board and players had been dissatisfied with aspects of the previous system and said the reforms sought to reduce the influence of subjective judgement.

“Pakistan has fallen behind in Test cricket,” he said. “These reforms are designed to encourage players to focus on the longer format rather than solely pursuing financial opportunities through T20 leagues.”

He added that player evaluation would extend beyond traditional statistics such as centuries and half-centuries and would increasingly focus on overall impact in helping teams win matches.

Hesson backed the initiative, saying cricket boards around the world were grappling with the challenge of balancing financial incentives with the need to preserve Test cricket.

“How do you financially reward players while encouraging them to focus on Test cricket?” he asked. “The PCB has produced a framework that addresses all aspects of the issue.”

Calling the document “impressive”, Hesson said it demonstrated a genuine commitment to red-ball cricket while also recognising the realities of T20 specialisation.

The reforms also place renewed emphasis on domestic cricket. Mohsin said active participation in domestic competitions would now be mandatory for central contract eligibility.

“It is easy to issue statements that playing domestic cricket is mandatory to play for Pakistan, but implementing such policies is difficult,” he said. “We are now making it compulsory.”

Meanwhile, Dr Mughal acknowledged that current fitness levels within the player pool remained below desired standards and said new benchmarks had been established. He added that while media access to fitness testing had been discontinued because of privacy concerns, the board would continue sharing key fitness indicators.

Asked whether he would hold officials accountable if Pakistan’s performances failed to improve, Mohsin accepted responsibility.

“It is my responsibility to deliver results,” he said. “Our performances in bilateral series have been satisfactory, but we have struggled in major tournaments. We need to improve our performances in tournaments.”

Aaqib, however, cautioned against expecting immediate success, saying no reform could guarantee victories in the short term.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

KARACHI: In the first session after the announcement of the federal budget for 2026-27, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) staged a strong recovery rally on Monday amid renewed buying interest across the board. Investor sentiment was boosted by reports of a peace agreement between the US and Iran, seen as a first step towards lasting peace in the Middle East, which helped propel the benchmark KSE-100 index above 177,000 points.

Following the development, global oil prices resumed their decline, hitting an almost three-month low as hopes revived for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing supply concerns and reducing inflationary pressures on oil-importing countries such as Pakistan. Petroleum prices in the country had surged sharply following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran on Feb 28.

However, Pakistani leaders reportedly played a key diplomatic role in efforts to mediate between the two countries and facilitate the agreement.

Topline Securities Ltd said the benchmark KSE-100 index ended trading on a buoyant note, surging 4,639 points, or 2.69 per cent, to close at 177,039 points. Positive sentiment prevailed at the PSX as market participants welcomed the government’s reform-oriented budget measures and responded favourably to reports of a preliminary peace agreement between the US and Iran, which also eased concerns over disruptions to global oil supplies.

Falling oil prices and selective super tax break lift sentiment

Among the major contributors, United Bank, Hub Power, Lucky Cement, Engro Holdings and Fauji Fertiliser Company emerged as the primary drivers of the rally, collectively contributing 1,790 points to the benchmark’s gain.

Adding to the optimism, reports of a potential US-Iran peace agreement, expected to be formally signed in Geneva later this week, further boosted risk appetite and triggered broad-based buying across the market.

Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said the PSX commenced the week on a jubilant note, with investor sentiment remaining exceptionally strong after the FY27 budget unveiled several market-friendly measures.

He said the reduction in super tax for selected sectors had significantly improved the earnings outlook for corporates.

On the monetary front, the SBP maintained the policy rate at its Monetary Policy Committee meeting at 11.5pc, in line with market expectations, providing additional support to investor confidence.

Market activity remained exceptionally strong, with traded volume rising 10.92pc to 980.5 million shares and turnover surging 51.18pc to Rs63.4 billion. Kohinoor Spinning Mills led the volume chart, with 64.1 million shares traded.

Analysts said the market could continue moving towards its record closing level of more than 189,000 points, supported by the FY27 budget, the SBP’s decision to maintain the policy rate, and improving prospects for a US-Iran peace agreement. However, investors are likely to remain watchful of implementation risks and global developments.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

Brent crude futures fell $4.11, or 4.71pc, to $83.22 a barrel by 1:30pm EDT (1730 GMT) and US West Texas Intermediate was at $80.54, down $4.34, or 5.11pc. Both contracts fell to their lowest levels since March 10 on Monday after tumbling more than 3pc on Friday. WTI futures fell as much as $5 during the session.

“With a wall of oil supply very possibly on the way, the selloff looks justified,” said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at Bok Financial.

Iran lowered the official selling price for its light crude oil grade for Asian buyers to $7.15 a barrel above the Oman/Dubai average for July, the state-owned National Iranian Oil Company said on Monday, compared with the previous month’s premium of $13 a barrel.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

In a statement, the Customs said the assertion was not supported by the “actual operational data and does not accurately reflect the prevailing situation”.

In the first week of June, it said a total of 748 LPG Goods Declarations (GDs), involving approximately 17,353 metric tonnes of LPG, were cleared through the border under the jurisdiction of the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement Gwadar.

The statement also listed a series of measures aimed at streamlining import clearance procedures and strengthening compliance controls. These measures were implemented after consultation with the Quetta and Gwadar chambers of commerce and industry and after allowing the trade a one-month transition period.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

A high-level delegation from Alibaba.com on Monday met Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan and discussed avenues of cooperation to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy, promote industrial growth and enhance the export potential of SMEs.

The discussion focused on implementing the ‘DigiSME Pakistan’ initiative in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Authority (Smeda), as well as industrial development and expanding Pakistan’s online export reach.

The delegation, led by Mr Shawn Yang, general manager for the Asia-Pacific region, presented digital solutions designed to support Pakistani SMEs by enhancing operational efficiency and helping them tap global market opportunities.

Mr Khan referred to the MoUs signed with Alibaba Group by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his recent visit to China and said Alibaba.com’s services would help SMEs integrate into global markets through digital trade, thereby boosting exports and creating new economic opportunities.

Shawn Yang said Pakistani products were well-positioned to access international buyers through Alibaba.com’s platform.

He also highlighted the impact of AI-driven commerce, adding that the company’s matching tools help connect Pakistani sellers with overseas demand.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

“Debt servicing obligations budgeted at Rs8,054 billion constitute 68.5 per cent of net federal revenues, while unfunded pension liabilities have reached Rs1,169bn. These fixed obligations critically constrain fiscal space for development and social spending,” said the PRAC Chairman Younus Dagha.

He stressed that sustainable consolidation req­uires expenditure rationalisation, tax base expa­nsion, pension refor­m, and the restructuring of loss-making state-owned enterprises — none of which are substantively addressed in the budgetary proposals.

The Public Sector Development Prog­ramme, capped at Rs1,000bn, also drew concern.

Younus Dagha says debt servicing consumes 68.5pc of revenue

“Adjusted for inflation, this represents a contraction in real development spending, risking further deterioration across transport, logistics, urban services, and climate resilience,” Mr Dagha said, stressing that public investment must be protected and directed toward high-impact projects advancing productivity, exports, and employment.

He cautioned against the sharp reduction in withholding tax on international card transactions from 5pc to 0.5pc, warning it could pressure foreign exchange reserves by encouraging non-essential dollar outflows.

On retail taxation, Mr Dagha warned that the Fixed Tax Asaan Scheme, without phased POS [point-of-sale] integration and robust verification, risks misuse by larger businesses seeking to circumvent effective compliance — undermining its documentation objectives.

He urged stronger measures supporting indu­­­strial growth, export competitiveness, and productive investment, emp­h­asising that Pakis­tan’s economic policy must transition from short-term fiscal balancing to a sustainable growth model anchored in exports, investment, innovation, and institutional reform.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

KARACHI: The business community on Monday expressed disappointment over the State Bank’s decision to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5pc, urging monetary easing to support growth, exports and investment amid easing inflation expectations.

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh said that a static policy rate in double digits is highly detrimental to the country’s economic survival, adding that failure to ease borrowing costs would accelerate de-industrialisation and severely undermine export targets, which are critical for earning foreign exchange.

Expressing concern over what he termed a disconnect between the central bank and the challenges faced by trade and industry, he said the decision to hold the policy rate was unfortunate despite expectations of a downward trend in inflation following the announcement of a US-Iran peace deal facilitated by Pakistan and gradual normalisation of global energy supplies.

Amid a cost-of-doing-business crisis across the manufacturing sector, he said the SBP’s overly cautious and contractionary stance was starving the private sector of essential capital. “The economy cannot transition to a growth model without a rationalised, single-digit interest rate aligned with domestic realities and the vision of the Special Investment Facilitation Council,” he added.

FPCCI Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon said regional competitors were operating with significantly lower borrowing costs, rendering Pakistani exports uncompetitive in global markets. Maintaining the status quo, he added, would further penalise both SMEs and large-scale manufacturing, effectively stalling capacity expansion and job creation.

FPCCI Vice President Abdul Mohamin Khan said the status quo in the policy rate was not a sign of stability but a recipe for stagnation.

The apex body urged the government and the SBP governor to immediately reconsider this approach and implement a decisive rate cut in the next Monetary Policy Committee meeting, bringing the rate into single digits.

Acting President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the business community had strongly expected a reversal of the previous 100-basis-point increase and a reduction to single digits, given improving economic indicators and easing global uncertainties. He stressed that monetary policy should align with the broader objective of promoting industrialisation, enhancing exports, and ensuring higher economic growth.

Korangi Association of Trade and Industry President Muhammad Ikram Rajput said that under current economic conditions, a reduction in the interest rate was essential to support business activity, industrial recovery, investment growth, and especially the development of the SME sector.

He said the decision could further intensify challenges for industry, adding that the business community had expected a more accommodative monetary stance in view of relatively easing inflation and improving economic stability.

‘Balanced, pragmatic approach’

On the other hand, Secretary General/Chief Executive of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) M. Abdul Aleem described the SBP decision as a “balanced and pragmatic approach,” noting that it allows the central bank to assess the impact of earlier measures while avoiding additional pressure on business borrowing costs and investment planning.

However, he stressed that stability in the policy rate must be accompanied by fiscal discipline, predictable taxation, stronger external buffers, improved energy-sector governance, and faster ease-of-doing-business reforms to translate macroeconomic stability into sustainable, private-sector-led growth.

Pakistan Business Council Chairperson Dr Zeelaf Munir said the PBC considers the decision to keep the policy rate unchanged a prudent response to prevailing inflation trends and associated risks.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

Budget documents suggest that parliament would be required to approve more than four times higher supplementary grants later this month when compared to Rs895bn it regularised last year. This put a question mark on the processes leading to budget estimates and expenditures. Documents placed before parliament by the finance ministry indicate that debt servicing, subsidies, power sector, water division, defence services, health related expenditures, civil armed forces and related agencies stand out in exceeding budgetary allocations. The ministry said the amounts that it was seeking approval as a fait accompli pertained to May 17 to June 30 of 2024-25 and from July 1 to May 15 for 2025-26 after the conclusion of budgetary processes for respective years and over-ran allocations approved by the parliament and yet remain legally unapproved as required under articles 80-84 of the Constitution.

The ministry in its written statement said these expenditures were those which could neither be met from the allocated budgetary resources nor be legitimately postponed during these financial years. These include both supplementary and technical supplementary grants.

The technical supplementary grant means surrender of funds from one expenditure head and its authorisation for use in another account or organisation but generally without any major fiscal burden. The regular supplementary grants are confirmation of expenditure overrun or spending without a legal sanction and has a direct additional bearing on the public kitty.

Finance minister asks parliament to clear supplementary grants that dwarf last year’s Rs895bn

According to summary of supplementary grants and appropriations, over Rs3.2tr has come up for regularisation for 2024-25 and about Rs485bn for the current fiscal year. As such the major regular supplementary grants for FY25 include Rs2.6tr unsanctioned expenses on acco­unt of debt servicing, followed by Rs430bn for power sector, Rs38bn for grants and subsidies, Rs23bn by Defence Division and Rs22bn for capital outlay on civil works.

Likewise, the major supplementary grants for FY26 worth Rs485bn is led by Rs127.5bn for grants and subsidies, Rs112bn for the power sector, Rs57bn in federal education and professional training, Rs34bn for Defence Division, Rs30bn for national health services and regulations, Rs20bn for the interior ministry and Rs22.4bn for poverty alleviation and social safety. A major additional grant of Rs14bn was given to the information ministry, Rs10bn allocated for the FBR, Rs7.9bn for capital outlay on civil works and Rs6.6bn for railways’ capital expenditure.

Normally, the regular supplementary grants are meant to provide for expenditure for purposes not foreseen at the time of finalisation of demands for grants. Such supplementary gra­nts put extra burden on the budget. Many of them are described as charged expenditure out of the federal consolidated fund which is presented to parliament just for information and taken as app­roved without voting. Simply put, parliament cannot reject it because the amount has already been consumed.

In the current fiscal, a Rs4bn supplementary grant was released for payment of cash compensation to residents of Chauntra village for handing over land for Defence Complex Islamabad in addition to Rs34bn for purchase of spare parts of helicopters, fencing of Pak-Iran border, internal security duties, special north and south security divisions, development of naval bases etc. The major power sector’s supplementary grant in FY26 including Rs105.5bn for equity injection in distribution companies and Rs6.5bn for power sector’s development needs. In the education sector, the major chunk (Rs54bn out of total Rs57bn) went to Daanish Education Trust, bailout packages for Quaid-i-Azam University and Cadet College Hassan Abdal and Pakistan Education Endo­wment Fund.

A supplementary grant of Rs127.4bn was utilised for PM’s Austerity Fund during FY26. Strangely, about Rs11bn supplementary grant was given to PTV against tariff adjustment and net-metering and Rs2.8bn for English news channel. A Rs800m supplementary grant was also approved for Pakistan Virtual Assets Authority and Rs2bn for Pakistan Digital Authority and Assan Khidmat Centre.

A Rs15bn special additional grant was also approved for maintenance of law and order and Rs4.7bn for support package to missing persons. A Rs30bn supplementary grant pertained to purchase of vaccines and associated material on behalf of provincial governments and Rs1.4bn for Frontier Corps for security of Reko Diq Project in Balochistan. Another Rs22bn supplementary grant was sanctioned for PM’s Ramazan Package and Rs7bn for MNA’s development schemes in four provinces and Islamabad.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

He made these remarks in a meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, where parliamentary leaders of allied parties converged to hold detailed consultations on the upcoming budget, development priorities, public welfare projects, and overall political situation in the province.

During the meeting, it was agreed that the next provincial budget would be formulated taking into account public needs.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

The police added that two men were sitting inside a hotel near the Arbab Complex area when armed men arrived in a car and began indiscriminate firing. One of the victims, later identified as Abdul Sattar, died at the scene. A police official, Shajahan, sustained critical injuries in the attack and later died while receiving medical treatment at hospital, authorities said.

The bodies and the injured were later shifted to the hospital.

Police said the cause of the attack has not yet been determined, though they suspect an old enmity as motive for the deadly attack.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

Ashura will be observed on June 26.

In a notification, the ministry said: “In pursuance of the decision of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee in its meeting held today in Lahore, the federal government in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Islamabad, hereby announces that the moon of Muharram 1448 AH has not been sighted.”

“Therefore, the 1st Muharram 1448 AH shall commence from Wednesday, June 17, 2026,” it added.

Earlier, Ruet-i-Hilal Committee met in Iqbal Hall, Badshahi Mosque in Lahore to sight the moon on the holy month of the Islamic calendar.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

The session, held in the Assembly’s committee room, was chaired by Deputy Speaker and WPC Chairperson Ghazala Gola.

The meeting brought together WPC members Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, Shahida Rauf, Farah Azeem Shah, Kulsoom Niaz, Salma Kakar, and Shehnaz Umrani, alongside retired Justice Kailash Nath Kohli, representatives from the Home and Law Departments, UN Women, and Assembly Special Secretary Abdul Rahman.

Justice Kohli gave a detailed briefing on the country’s existing legal framework concerning acid-related crimes, highlighting a draft provincial law prepared in 2016. The Home Department presented official statistics, noting that since 2021, seven acid attack cases have been registered in Balochistan, with five resolved in 2022.

Following extensive deliberations, participants agreed to form a joint review committee tasked with examining the draft law and incorporating provisions on acid regulation, victim protection, rehabilitation, compensation, and institutional response mechanisms.

It was also recommended that future consultations include representatives from the industries, health, prosecution, women development, and police departments, as well as senior lawyers, to strengthen the legislative process.

The caucus further proposed revisiting the composition of the board to be established under the proposed bill, ensuring representation from WPC and other stakeholders. Members emphasised the importance of involving the Assembly’s Home Committee to build consensus and improve coordination.

The participants of the meeting stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive provincial law to curb acid violence, regulate the sale of hazardous chemicals, prosecute offenders effectively, and provide survivors with robust support and rehabilitation services.

Concluding the meeting, Chairperson Ghazala Gola reaffirmed the WPC’s commitment to advancing laws that protect vulnerable groups, promote justice, and ensure strong safeguards against all forms of violence in Balochistan.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

Meanwhile, the Balochistan governor has convened the provincial assembly’s budget session for Wednesday (tomorrow) at 4pm in Quetta.

In Punjab, Provincial Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman will deliver the budget speech and table key financial documents and bills. He will present the annual financial statement for the upcoming fiscal year, along with the supplementary budget for the outgoing fiscal year 2025-26.

He will also introduce the Punjab Finance Bill 2026 and present notifications regarding amendments to Sections 5 and 76 of the Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act, 2012. He is also scheduled to present the Fiscal Risk Statement for the coming fiscal year.

Balochistan Assembly to hold budget session tomorrow

According to sources, the total outlay of the Punjab budget is proposed to be over Rs5.3 trillion. Punjab is set to receive around Rs4.4tr under the National Finance Commission award, while provincial revenue collection is estimated at Rs1tr.

The sources said the government had proposed allocating over Rs700 billion for development projects and Rs800bn for the Punjab Finance Commission.

An amount of Rs650bn has been earmarked for salaries and Rs505bn for pension payments. The proposed hike in salaries of Punjab government employees is expected to be in line with raise announced by the Centre. The Annual Development Programme proposes 3,560 development schemes, with Rs493.25bn likely to be allocated for ongoing projects and Rs258.75bn for new ones.

The government has proposed establishing the Kulsoom Nawaz Cancer Hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan, while significant amounts are being allocated for the Chief Minister’s Laptop Programme, Kisan Card, Livestock Card, and Parwaaz Card International Placement Programme.

The budget also proposes the establishment of Mian Nawaz Sharif University of Engineering and Technology, and Shehbaz Sharif Sports Complex in Kasur.

Authorities have finalised comprehensive security arrangements for the Punjab Assembly budget session in view of likely protests by the opposition.

According to a notification, the Balochistan Assembly Secretariat has announced strict security and entry arrangements for the upcoming budget session.

In a significant directive, the entry of both government and private armed security personnel into the assembly secretariat during the proceedings has been prohibited.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

According to Pims administration, the PTI founder was brought to the hospital for a follow-up eye treatment i.e. fifth intra vitreal injection. Prior to the procedure, he was examined by ophthalmologists and was found to be clinically stable. His optical coherence tomography was performed which showed clinical improvement.

“After obtaining informed consent and under standard monitoring, adopting all standard precautionary measures and protocols in the operation theatre, he was injected with fifth dose of intravitreal injection under guidance of microscopy by the surgeons. The procedure was performed as a day care surgery.

“During the course of his stay, he remained vitally stable before, during and after the procedure and was discharged along with instructions for further care and follow-up advice and documents,” the Pims administration claimed.

Islamabad High Court seeks record of PTI founder’s meetings in jail; Asad Qaiser calls on govt to provide relief to tobacco growers, review taxation policies

On the other hand, the PTI criticised the attitude of the government which did not inform and involve family members of the former prime minister during the treatment.

Party’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said that transfer of Mr Khan to Pims under heavy security for his fifth intravitreal injection, only to be thrown back into Adiala jail, exposed a calculated policy of harassment and negligence by the government.

Mr Akram demanded an immediate comprehensive and transparent medical examination of the former prime minister under the direct supervision of his personal physicians and independent, impartial doctors nominated by the party.

IHC seeks record of Imran’s jail meetings

Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday sought record from the registrar’s office related to all identical petitions about Imran Khan’s jail meetings.

The court passed the order on objections raised by the registrar’s office on a petition filed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam seeking permission to meet jailed PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala jail for consultation on the upcoming provincial budget.

The petition came up for hearing before Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, who examined objections raised by the registrar’s office regarding the maintainability of the plea.

The court observed that despite the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet’s approval, the petition had been filed by individuals concerned rather than by the provincial government itself.

Advocate Ali Bukhari argued that the matter was directly linked to preparation of the provincial budget and that previous judicial orders and decisions in similar cases had been placed before the court.

He said that the question of whether a consultative meeting was necessary was a matter for judicial determination rather than an administrative objection by the registrar’s office.

Justice Soomro advised the petitioners to place their objections before the court through a formal note and indicated that an order on the issue would be issued shortly. Emphasising the urgency attached to the budget process, the petitioners requested an early decision.

Qaiser seeks relief for tobacco growers

Separately, former speaker of National Assembly Asad Qaiser, along with leaders of various political parties from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and representatives of the tobacco farming community, demanded the federal government to provide relief to tobacco growers and review taxation policies affecting the industry.

Speaking at a press conference, he said the gathering was not about political differences but a national issue affecting thousands of farming families.

Mr Qaiser clarified that he had no personal involvement in the tobacco business and stressed that the government’s responsibility was to support farmers and provide them with adequate facilities.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

MUZAFFARABAD: The standoff between law enforcement personnel and supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Rawalakot seemed to be winding down, with officials claiming on Monday that the days-long protest had visibly shrink.

According to officials, who spo­ke to Dawn on condition of anony­mity, the central gathering at the Eidgah Ground is steadily shrinking, with most participants from other areas having quietly left.

The majority of those still present are residents of nearby localities who arrive in the afternoon and return home late at night, an official said.

The official maintained that law enforcement personnel had only engaged armed activists, and ruled out the possibility of negotiations with the proscribed group, stating that its members would either have to surrender or face strict legal action.

Authorities have relaxed curfew-like restrictions in parts of Ra­­walakot, allowing shops to open for limited hours to aid residents.

Elsewhere in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, a shutter-down strike continued for the seventh consecutive day on Monday in several cities and towns, including Muzaffarabad. Both inter-city and intra-city public transport services remained entirely suspended across the region.

However, private vehicles and motorcycles moved freely on the mostly empty roads.

The continuous suspension of internet services has also affec­ted banking operations, leaving many local residents completely unable to access cash.

In some urban areas, neighbourhood shops operated with partially raised shutters around sunset. Meanwhile, reports from several districts indicated severe shortages of medicines at pharmacies due to disrupted supplies from Abbottabad and Rawalpindi.

Reports further suggested that mobile fruit and vegetable vendors operating from Suzuki pickup trucks had begun serving customers in some localities.

A senior administration official said the government would not compel shopkeepers to reopen their businesses but would actively facilitate those willing to operate mobile outlets.

“If they do not want to open their shops, that is their choice. But they should not later object to the government allowing mobile vendors to do business,” he said.

AJK assembly meets today

Separately, the state government has summoned a session of the AJK Legislative Assembly at 2pm on Tuesday.

According to Legislative Asse­mbly Secretary Amjed Latif Ab­­basi, the agenda includes legislation for the regularisation of ad hoc and B-1 employees in line with cabinet decisions taken June 5.

The House is also expected to discuss resolutions relating to Pa­­kistan’s role in facilitating peace talks between the United States and Iran, as well as the recent helicopter crash in Muzaffarabad, he said.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

In a video message issu­­ed from Mansoorah and a statement shared on social media, Mr Rehman urged the government to reduce fuel costs in line with falling international prices, initiate free trade with Iran, and expedite the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project to address the country’s energy shortages.

Mr Rehman said with ex-refinery prices potentially falling to around Rs200 per litre, “a subs­t­a­n­­tial reduction in do­­m­es­tic petroleum prices was en­­tirely feasible” and cal­­led for a review of what he des­cribed as burdensome me­­asures such as the pet­r­o­l­e­­um levy. He also said red­uctions in electricity and gas tariffs could significantly stimulate economic activity within a year.

The JI chief described the truce and agreement between Iran and the United States as a “landm­ark victory for Iran”, saying the development demonstrated that no global power can impose its age­nda on a nation that rem­ains resilient and united.

He said the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and normalisation of regional conditions sent a clear message that a united nation can withstand major challenges.

He added that the reso­l­­ve of Iran’s leadership and people showed that when a government and its citizens stand together with patience and steadfastness, even the world’s most powerful states are compelled to alter their positions.

Mr Rehman observed that while the US and Isra­­el had made sweeping cla­ims about dismantling Iran’s political system, nuclear programme, missile capabilities, and military stre­n­­gth, the conflict conclu­ded under different circu­ms­ta­nces, ultimately centring on the Strait of Hormuz.

He described the outcome as a strategic success for Iran and congratulated its leadership and people.

He said Pakistan must draw lessons from regional developments. While ack­nowledging Islam­abad’s role in mediation efforts, he said diplomatic gains abroad could not be fully utilised without strengthening national unity and harmony at home.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

Adeel Ahmed, 39, his wife Dr Sidra Khan, their daughter Hania Ahmed, 9, and son Aafan Ahmed, 10, were shot at during a robbery when CCD personnel opened fire on their vehicle in Chakwal, mistaking it for that of robbers.

As a result, Hania died on the spot, while Adeel and Aafan were critically injured. Dr Khan remained unhurt.

Australian media have reported on the case, as the family were Austra­li­­an nationals based in Per­th. The incident was covered by ABC, The Guardian, and SBS, which highlighted that the family was on holiday in Pakistan at the time of the incident.

In its report, The Guar­dian quoted Albanese as saying that the incident ne­­eded to be properly examined by authorities. “These circumstances do need to be examined. They need to be examined in a transparent way, so that everyone can know, the family, most importantly, but others as well,” he told reporters in Canberra on Monday.

“Australia expects there to be transparency and a proper investigation of these circumstances.”

According to the paper, Albanese expressed his condolences to the victims’ family and friends, adding that the Pakistani Austra­lian community “will be really feeling this today”.

“A nine-year-old girl visiting Pakistan with her family should have been a time of joy,” he said.

Meanwhile, The Guardian reported that Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was providing consular assistance to the family, while West­ern Australia Attorney Ge­­­­­­neral Tony Buti on Sun­day described the incident as a tragic case of “mistaken identity”.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Justice Malik Sha­hzad Ahmad Khan of the Sup­reme Court has expressed concern over the common practice of falsely implicating innocent individuals — including opposition politicians and those having enmity with police officials or influential persons — in narcotics cases.

In a dissenting note, the judge emphasised the need to eliminate, or at least minimise, the possibility of falsely implicating innocent people in cases registered under the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997, by strictly interpreting the provisions of the law and the rules framed thereunder.

The 14-page dissenting note was issued in a set of petitions involving the common question of the admissibility of a forensic expert’s report under Section 36 of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act and Rule 6 of the Control of Narcotic Substances (Government Analysts) Rules, 2001.

On May 13, a five-judge SC bench comprising Justices Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan, Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, Salahuddin Panhwar and Ishtiaq Ibrahim ruled by a four-to-one majority that the requirem­e­­nt to mention “full protocols” under the Control of Narcotic Substances Rules was not mandatory.

The bench declared that the requirement to mention “full protocols” in reports prepared under the unamended Rule 6 of the Rules, 2001 — which requires government analysts to submit test results together with full protocols of the tests applied — was directory rather than mandatory.

The majority judgement held that identification and mention of the names of the internationally recognised tests described in clauses (i) to (vii) of Explanation II to amended Rule 6 amounted to “full and sufficient compliance” with the rule.

In his dissenting note, however, Justice Malik Shahzad recalled that the Supreme Court had repeatedly held in various judgements that, since stringent punishments are prescribed for offences under the 1997 Act, the provisions of the law and the rules must be construed strictly. He noted that the apex court had also consistently emphasised that, in the interest of justice, all relevant legal provisions relating to procedure and the furnishing of expert reports must be followed in letter and spirit.

Justice Shahzad observed that government analysts’ reports in narcotics cases must contain complete test protocols, and that failure to include them would invalidate the evidence. He stressed that, under Articles 4 and 10-A of the Constitution, every citizen has an inalienable right to be treated in accordance with the law and to receive a fair trial and due process.

“No action detrimental to the life, liberty, body, reputation or property of any person should be taken except in accordance with law,” Justice Shahzad wrote, quoting Article 4. He also recalled the Supreme Court’s repeated observation that “the harsher the sentence, the stricter the standard of proof”.

“Therefore, in my humble view, it will be highly risky to hold that non-mentioning of full protocols does not, of itself, invalidate the report of the government analyst and that merely mentioning the names of internationally recognised tests would amount to ‘full and sufficient compliance’ with the Rules, 2001,” he observed.

Concluding his note, Justice Shahzad stated that mentioning full protocols in a government analyst’s report was mandatory under the unamended Rule 6 of the Rules, 2001.

He held that the omission of full protocols and analysis from the report would invalidate the government analyst’s report. He further observed that neither the amended nor the unamended Rule 6 of the Rules, 2001, exceeded the scope of Section 36(2) of the parent law, the Act of 1997.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Senators from both sides of the aisle on Monday raised alarm over burgeoning debt obligations that have severely constrained the space for development, social protection, and public investment.

Starting the budget debate in the up­­per house of parliament, PPP Senator Sher­­ry Rehman said 42.8 per cent of the budget was being absorbed by debt servicing, including both interest and principal repayments. “When nearly half of the federal budget is consumed by debt obligations, the space available for development, social protection and public inv­estment becomes severely constrai­ned,” she noted. The senator said that state-owned enterprises (SOEs) continued to place a heavy burden on public finances.

“Losses of state-owned enterprises reached Rs832.848 billion in FY2025, with cumulative losses now standing at Rs6.563 trillion. Yet another Rs451 billion has been allocated to SOEs in this budget. This is a structural challenge that cannot be ignored indefinitely,” she said, while calling for reforms in governance and public expenditure.

She also called for a “fair taxation system” built on direct taxes and a broader base, warning that Pakistan’s growing reliance on indirect levies was undermining fiscal stability and burdening ordinary citizens.

The PPP leader also flagged the ballooning Petroleum Development Levy as a key concern. “Excessive reliance on levies and indirect taxation raises serious questions about the long-term sustainability of our revenue structure,” the senator said.

Senator Rehman also expressed concern over declining climate allocations despite Pakistan’s growing climate vulnerabilities. “It is deeply concerning that climate-related levies are being collected while climate financing remains inadequate and climate budgets continue to shrink…” she said.

Senate Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas said the budget ignored ordinary Pakistanis. “The people of Pakistan have not been kept in focus. The Pakistani people are irrelevant in this budget,” he said.

He said debt had been on the rise since the government took office, warning that the debt was rising so rapidly that the country was heading toward becoming a “failed state”. He said the public would pay Rs8 trillion in interest this year.

The opposition leader alleged the budget gave relief to the rich while the poor paid levies. “You are taking levies from the poor youth who put petrol in motorcycles… Where is it being spent? You are not cutting your expenses,” he chided the government. The opposition leader also accused the Centre of forcing provinces to give up money in violation of the 18th Amendment. He, however, end­ed with an appeal for dialogue: “Come, let’s sit together and bring reforms.”

PTI Senator Mohsin Aziz said Pakistan’s debt stood at Rs44 trillion over 74 years, but surged to Rs97 trillion in the last four years. “Where are we taking Pakistan? Debt has more than doubled,” he said. “Where there is no political stability, this is what happens.”

He compared Pakistan’s exports to India’s $440 billion and said that “every day we are moving backwards”. Wheat flour, he noted, had risen from Rs1,100 to Rs2,600 per 40kg, while other essentials had also become unaffordable.

The senator also criticised the petro­leum development levy, saying it was being collected directly from the public. He called the budget “empty” and said that “no matter how many claims you make on TV, this budget offers nothing”.

PPP Senator Rana Mahmoodul Has­san urged the Senate to take up the issue of targeted attacks against Pakistanis in South Africa, saying the Foreign Office must intervene immediately to protect over 100,000 nationals living there. “Kidnappings for ransom and killings are occurring. The Foreign Office should intervene,” the senator said.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026

NEW YORK/BRUSSELS: Islamabad’s mediating role, along with that of other countries, came into sharp focus on Monday as world leaders welcomed a long-awaited agreement between Washington and Tehran to de-escalate tensions and pave the way for ending a war that had raged for more than three months and battered the global economy.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called the permanent ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz a critical step and urged all sides to build on momentum towards a final resolution of the Middle East conflict.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the deal as a major breakthrough, saying it could enable deeper negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional issues.

Many countries including China, UK, Turkiye, Italy, Qatar and others praised Pakistan’s sustained diplomatic efforts, while the European Union called the agreement a major breakthrough and the United Nations chief urged continued momentum toward a final resolution.

Leaders across Europe broadly welcomed the agreement as a step toward regional stability, with British PM Keir Starmer praising it as important for ending the war and reopening of Hormuz, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulating the parties, French President Emmanuel Macron noting it resulted from collective diplomacy, and Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Meloni lauding Pakistan and Qatar for their role.

Across the Middle East, leaders including Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the agreement as an important development for peace and stability, thanking Pakistan for its exceptional mediation efforts, while Qatar and Kuwait also commended the outcome and diplomatic efforts by Pakistan.

Also, China praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts and called for reopening of Hormuz, while Japan welcomed the deal, India emphasised restoration of peace and freedom of navigation, and Australia, New Zealand, and Canada commended the diplomatic efforts.

Saudi Arabia called for detailed negotiations within sixty days toward a permanent agreement. The Netherlands described the deal as hopeful for regional stability including Lebanon.

Australia, New Zealand, and Canada jointly welcomed the agreement and commended Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye for their diplomatic roles in wider regional diplomacy efforts.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026